The SKA secures major FIA grant |03 July 2025
Celebrating member鈥檚 selection for prestigious FIA Immersion Programme
The 91香蕉视频 Karting Association, the officially recognised National Sporting Authority (ASN) for the F茅d茅ration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in 91香蕉视频, is thrilled to announce two significant milestones, marking a new era for motorsport development in the country.
First, the 91香蕉视频 Karting Association (SKA) has been awarded a grant worth R300,000 from the FIA president鈥檚 development fund (PDF), designed to support high-impact motorsport projects worldwide.
The FIA PDF was established to deliver tangible results, grow participation, and create lasting impact through strategic investment in key areas, including karting, grassroots motorsport, affordable cross car, and Esports.
SKA鈥檚 successful proposal was selected from nearly 30 submissions globally, reflecting the association鈥檚 strong commitment to advancing karting in 91香蕉视频.
The funding will enable the SKA to purchase 12 new karts, with nine for the refurbishment of the cadet class fleet to improve safety and reliability, and three mini bambino karts that will lower the entry age for young drivers to just five years old.
This new equipment will be acquired during 2025, with the full rollout of the updated karting programme expected during 2026, setting the stage for safer, more competitive, and cost-effective racing.
As the ASN, the SKA holds the exclusive mandate from the FIA to govern and develop motorsport in 91香蕉视频, including overseeing competitions, driver and official licensing, safety standards, and alignment with international best practices.
Through these new initiatives, the SKA continues to fulfill its mission of nurturing grassroots motorsport and preparing 91香蕉视频鈥� talent for the international stage.
In another exciting development, the SKA proudly announces that its member, George Leo Padayachy, has been selected as one of only 15 individuals worldwide to participate in the prestigious FIA Immersion Programme.
Applications for this exclusive opportunity were submitted in May 2025, with the final cohort chosen from FIA member countries across the globe.
In this fully-funded FIA Immersion Programme, Padayachy will spend 10 days this September at the FIA headquarters in France and Switzerland.
During the immersion days, participants will meet key figures from various FIA departments, including top management, communication, mobility, secretary general for sport (covering training, motorsport funding programmes, FIA University, Sport Clubs Relations), safety, and the sport department (road, circuit, single seater, etc.), as well as marketing, events, and legal teams.
The programme also includes a visit to the FIA Technical and Logistical Centre in Valleiry, France, and attendance at the iconic Rallye du Mont-Blanc in Morzine, France (rallye-mont-blanc-morzine.com). Participants will receive department presentations, complete a brief survey to prioritize topics of most interest, and enjoy opportunities for tailored meetings to deepen understanding of FIA operations.
鈥淭hese achievements demonstrate the immense opportunities now available to 91香蕉视频 through FIA membership,鈥� said Liza Rene-Cosgrow, chairperson of the SKA.
鈥淎s the FIA鈥檚 ASN in 91香蕉视频, we are committed to growing motorsport talent, enhancing grassroots participation, and opening doors for our ASN members and future clubs,鈥� she added.
The SKA encourages all motorsport enthusiasts to get involved in motorsport in 91香蕉视频 and to contact the ASN to learn how to participate.
More opportunities are on the way, including a planned FIA-conducted certification course for officials. Persons interested in official certification must be members of the ASN itself or of any affiliated club. Obtaining official certification will open doors for anyone eager to progress up the officiating ladder in motorsport worldwide.
Additionally, members have the opportunity to pursue advanced education through courses offered as part of the FIA University, including professional Diplomas and Master鈥檚 degrees, providing pathways for deeper knowledge and expertise in motorsport governance, management, and safety.
With these milestones, the 91香蕉视频 Karting Association and the FIA are working together to create a sustainable future for motorsport in 91香蕉视频, one that nurtures young talent and strengthens the nation鈥檚 presence on the international motorsport stage.
听
Contributed